Emma's pov
As soon as the pen left the paper, Alex didn't waste a moment. He slid the contract off the table, glancing down at it as if to confirm the deal was real, though I knew he hadn't doubted for a second that I would sign. I watched him with a sense of unease gnawing at me—something about the way he moved, how unbothered he was by what had just taken place, sent a chill through me.
"Good," he said, folding the contract into the black folder and setting it aside like it was already forgotten. "We start immediately."
I swallowed, my pulse quickening. "What happens next?"
His eyes flicked to mine, those icy blue eyes that could freeze you in place. For a moment, there was a flicker of something—amusement, maybe—but it was gone before I could be sure.
"Now, you do what you're told," he said simply, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
A knot twisted in my stomach. Of course, I knew he would take control, but hearing himsay so bluntly hit harder than I expected. I was no longer steering my own ship—Alex volkov was at the helm now.
He stepped away from the desk, pacing slowly toward the window. The light of the city reflected off the glass, casting sharp shadows across his features. He was a man perfectly at home in this world, this towering, unfeeling world of steel and ambition. He thrived here.
"You're going to follow my instructions, step by step," he continued, his back to me now. "I've already looked through your numbers. Your company—if it's even still standing—needs immediate restructuring. I'll appoint people to oversee the finances, the operations, the decisions. You'll be part of it, but only as much as I allow."
I felt the sting of those words. Only as much as he allowed. I had fought so hard for control of my company, built it from the ground up, and now, in a matter of moments, it felt like I'd lost the very thing I had dedicated my life to. But what choice did I have? Without this, without him, it would have been over already.
I took a breath, trying to steady myself. "And what about me? My role?"
He turned then, slowly, his gaze locking onto mine with that same cold, analytical stare. "You do what's necessary. You keep your head down. And if you do that, I'll make sure your company survives."
My heart sank a little. It was a vague promise at best, but it was all I had. "And if I don't?"
He didn't hesitate. "Then it falls. You'll lose everything."
The words hit like a hammer. The choice was laid bare in front of me. Either I surrender completely, let him tear apart and rebuild what I'd created, or I walk away and watch it all collapse. There wasn't really a choice at all.
I nodded slowly, hating how much power I'd just given him. "I understand."
But I didn't. Not fully. Not yet.
Alex watched me for a moment, as if considering something, then he moved to the door, his hand on the handle. "You'll receive a call tomorrow morning. Be ready. This isn't going to be easy, but if you want to survive, you'll learn to keep up."
And with that, he left, leaving me alone in the silent room. The echoes of our conversation hung heavy in the air, and the reality of what I'd just done started to sink in. Everything had changed, just like he said it would.
I stared down at the table, my mind racing, trying to process what had just happened. The ink was still drying on the contract, and I already felt its weight pressing down on me. The path ahead was uncertain, and as much as I wanted to believe I could keep control of my future, I knew the truth.
I was in Alex's world now, and I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to get out. I don't think I ever can